NafisaThe transfer window has rarely stood still at Ibrox this summer, but the past few weeks have been especially frantic behind the scenes.
Derek McInnes has repeatedly stressed that Rangers still require greater creativity and attacking quality out wide, and supporters have watched one transfer saga after another dominate the headlines as the club searched for the perfect addition.
Much of the focus has centred on a possible reunion with fan favourite Vaclav Černý.
The Czech international enjoyed a hugely successful spell at Ibrox, and Rangers have explored the possibility of bringing him back from Beşiktaş. Reports in both Scotland and Turkey suggest negotiations have proved difficult, with Rangers seeing an opening bid rejected and the Turkish club standing firm over their valuation, while uncertainty over the player’s future has continued throughout the summer.
With talks dragging on and no immediate breakthrough in sight, many supporters feared McInnes could begin the new campaign without the explosive winger he has been craving.
Instead, Rangers appear to have moved decisively elsewhere.
According to German transfer expert Florian Plettenberg, Rangers have reached a full agreement with Hannover to sign Japanese winger Daisuke Yokota in a deal worth between €3 million and €3.5 million, with additional bonuses and a sell-on clause included.
The 26-year-old is now expected to travel to Glasgow to undergo his medical before completing a long-term move to Ibrox.
The transfer has come as something of a surprise given the amount of attention surrounding Černý and several other winger targets in recent weeks.
Yokota spent last season with Hannover after initially arriving on loan from Gent, producing enough impressive performances for the German club to activate the permanent option in his contract before Rangers quickly stepped in to secure his signature.
The Japanese attacker has taken an unconventional route to this point in his career.
After beginning in the academy of Kawasaki Frontale, Yokota continued his development across several European countries, including Germany, Latvia, Poland and Belgium, before establishing himself in German football with successful spells at Kaiserslautern and Hannover.
His versatility, pace and ability to operate across the frontline are believed to have convinced Rangers that he is the ideal profile for McInnes’ rebuilding project.
Importantly, the move does not necessarily spell the end of Rangers’ interest in adding another winger before the transfer window closes.
The club remain linked with several attacking options, and with McInnes publicly admitting he still wants further reinforcements, more arrivals could yet follow.
For now, though, Rangers supporters finally have the attacking addition they have been waiting for.
While much of the summer conversation revolved around the possibility of bringing Černý back to Ibrox, it is Yokota who now looks set to become the latest player through the doors as McInnes continues reshaping his squad ahead of a crucial campaign.
Nafisa
